Display structure



March 8, 1938.l A. J. BATES, .1R

DISPLAY STRUCTURE e sheets-sheet 1 Filed Nov. 22, 1954 m l I I l l m y l A l VII/lilla. IE

March 8, 1938. A. J. BATES, .1R

DISPLAY STRUCTURE Filed Nov. 22, 1934 6 SheebS-Sheet 2 March 8,` 1938.' A. J. BATES. JR 2,110,354

DISPLAY STRUCTURE Y Filed Nov. 22. 1934 e sheets-sheet s March 8, 1938.

A, J.' BATES, JR

DISPLAY STRUCTURE Filed Nov. 22, 1934 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 March 8, 1938. A J, BATES, JR 2,110,354

DI SPLAY STRUCTURE Filed Nov. 22, 19:54 6 sheets-sheet 5 March 8, 1938.

A. L1. BATES, JR

DISPLAY STRUCTURE Filed Nov. 22, 1934 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 K fra/em: 67 Meri es l yf ANN Patented Mar. 8, 1938 UNETED STATES PATENT OFFEQE 16 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in display structures, and more particularly to action displays of the character utilized in store windows and similar show places to attract the attention of pedestrians passing by, although the invention will have other uses and purposes as will be apparent to one skilled in the art.

In theart of advertising, it has become universally recognized that a display advertisement in a store Window or the like is considerably more effective if motivated or constructed so that one or more parts thereof is normally in motion. A movement quickly attracts the eye of a passerby and once atracted the person will usually linger suciently to ascertain the reason for the motion. If the display is of proper construction that length of time is quite ample to convey to the passer-by the nature of the article being advertised. However, heretofore action displays have been prohibitively expensive for general and extensive usage. This expense is -involved in the cost .and labor of design and construction of the various parts of the display, the labor involved in building up the display, the installation and removal, reinstallation and the general attention it requires. Obviously, an enormous financial expenditure is required for a single product to be advertised simultaneously in many different locations by means of action displays of the character heretofore known.

With the foregoing in mind, it is an object of the present invention to provide action display structures so economical in character as to Warrant very broad usage thereof.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a motive power unit, which may be standard in character and adapted for installation in any of a plurality of action displays of different kinds and characters.

Also an. object of this invention is the provision of action display structures which may be readily assembled at the ultimate point where the display is to be provided, in a quick, easy manner, without the use of tools.

The invention also contemplates the use of a substantially standardized motive power unit easily placeable in position, together with a plurality of cheap, die-cut members of cardboard or the like which may be readily assembled around a power unit to form an action display of a predetermined character, the power unit being of such design that it is adaptable to support and actuate substantially an unlimited number of types of displays.

Another feature of the invention is the provision of relatively cheap cardboard display units which may be assembled around a power unit to form an action display, the different members of the display varying in size and form at dilerent points sufficiently to prevent the installation of any member in any except the right position.

Another object of this invention is the provision of suitable shaft construction for operating movable parts of an action display, such shaft constructionbeing supportable in operating position by simple, cheap members of cardboard or similar material without any resultant binding of the shaft regardless of the warping of the cardboard members, and obviously there will be no wear from operating parts upon the cardboard members.

The invention also contemplates the provision of various members of cardboard and the like for assembling into an action display, the construction being such that the members are readily engageable one with the other without the use of tools and in a manner that rwill not materially detract from the front of the display.

Also an object of this invention is the provision of a fabricated action display including shaft means arranged to be extended if so desired, and relatively cheap parts of sheet material which may be assembled in position to support the shaft means, counter-balance weights being provided Where needed on moving parts of the display to lessen the burden on the drive and shaft means.

Still a furtherobject of this invention is to provide a fabricated display construction wherein the major portion of the display is fabricated from a plurality of cheap members of sheet material, such members being used as xed and as movable parts of the display and also as connecting rods for actuating the movable parts of the display, the construction being such that during operation there is a negligible amount of wear upon the sheet material itself.

In accordance with the general features of this invention, a power unit has-been provided incorporating both driving means, such as an electric motor, for example, and a basic or foundation structure for an action display. The power unit is preferably standardized so that a plurality of such units may be disposed at Various locations, each unit being preferably identical in construction and size. The construction of the units is such that each unit is adaptable to function as a driving means and basic supporting means of an action display of substantially any desirable kind, character or shape. Accordingly, a number of standardized permanent power units may be dis- CTI to vprevent its being assembled in a display in anyl except the proper position. Novel shaft means are employed forrdriving the movable parts of the display, these shaft means beingsupported by the cardboard pieces. These pieces are used as frame members, connecting rods, movable display portions and general decorative pieces in accordance with the character of the display. l The shaft means are so constructed as only to vbe mountable with the cardboard pieces of `a particular display in one position. The shaft meansA putinto operationI at a substantially negligible increase in cost over a display in'which all parts are stationary. f Y

iAfter a display has beenvin operation for the desired length of time, it is a Veryisimple expedi-v f ent to'dismantlethe display, and the various cardboard pieces maybe placed into storage for future use at some subsequent date or destroyed. The

power unitused in the display is kept at its centralpoint or locality Vfor subsequent vuse in an vaction display by the sameor a. different advertiser. It will be seen, therefore, thatv it is only necessary to fabricate the various cardboard parts of the display` and` shipthese parts `to the points where the displays;a.re to beplaced in operation, power units being already at these particular points,v and kwith verysimple directions accompanying the cardboardparts, the display may be assembled ywith a negligible amountroftime at substantially any place at any time.y vWith the` flexibility of construction substantially unlimited andthe relative Vparts so constructed as to per-V mit an installation in onlythe right position, action display'advertising of almostany character, designl or shape can had anywhere desired with great rapidity and at extremely low cost.l

`The' present invention also has `for ,an object the provision of a new method of assembling a display structure. 1 l

While some of the mcrejsalient features, characteristics and'advantages of lthe present invention have been hereinabove pointed out, others will becomeapparent (from thev following disclosures. f y i The invention includes these and other fea-,-` tures of construction and combinations of parts', and methods of assembly, preferred constructions f of the invention being illustrated in theaccompanying drawings, as more particularly indicated bythe claims. f l

On the drawings: I f ,Y 1

Figure 1 is a front View of an action display structure embodying principles of the present invention.Vr -S f Y Figure 2- is an enlarged sideelevational view ofthe structure'sjhown inl Figure v1, with vparts brokerriaway Yancl'parts, inrsectionY v Figure V3 is a fragmentary rear elevational view rof the structure shownin Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 4 is an enlarged top plan view ofthe power unit itself.

Figure 5 is an enlarged top plan sectional view taken substantially as indicated by the line V of Figure 2.

- Figure 6 is anenlarged fragmentary isometric VII-VII ofV Figure 2.

iFigure 8 'is an enlarged fragmentary plan sectional view, with parts in elevation, illustrating a form of shaft construction which may be utilized lin the present invention, taken substantially as indicated by 'the line VIII-VIII of Figure 2, and

showing portions of the shaft construction broken away Yand/in section. c

Figure 9 is a vertical sectional view through the shaft construction taken substantially as v indicatedlbuy the line IX-IX of Figure 8.

Figure 1,0 is also a Vertical sectionalv view through ,the l.shaft construction taken substantially as indicated by the line X-X of Figure 8.

`Figure 11V is a vertical ,sectional view of the structure shown in Figure 10 taken substantially asgindicated by the staggered section line XI-XI of Figure 10. y l n '.rFigure 12 is a greatly enlarged part sectional, part elevational view of the pulley and shaft constructionseen in the lower left hand corner of Figure 2.

`Figure 13is a further enlargedplan sectional view of the structure of Figure 12 taken substantially as indicated by the line XIII-XIIIA of Figure 12. r l r Figure `14 isI a. greatly enlarged vertical; secf tional view, with parts in elevation and partsomitted, of the shaft and crank arm construction seen in the lower left hand portion of Figures 2 and 5,

taken substantially asV indicated by the line XIV-'XLVof Figure 5.l p ,Figure 15 is a sidefelevational View similar to Figurf2"but illustrating a different type of dis# play embodying principles of the present invention. f

Figure 16 is a rear elevational view of the structure shown in -Figure 15.

. vAfsshown on the drawings:

"At the outset, ity should be noted that where the term, cardboardis'used herein and in the appended claims, this tennis to be construed as'meaning any suitable cheap and economical sheet material of similar character. Cardboard is highly desirable for usein connection with the presentinvention dueto itsr ready cutting and adaptation, and Various types of similar fibreA and forth between open and closed positions in the` manner' of.- a 'coverl offaibook. 1 Preferably integral with the shelf I is an upright panel 6 and behind this panel is an oscillatable panel I divided in the upper portion thereof into two laterally extending parts 8 and 9, respectively, by means! of a di- I vision notch Il?, as seen more clearly in Figure 3.

Adjacent the lower end thereof, the panel l carries a counter-weighted neck portion II to lessen the load on the power means which oscillates the panel. With reference to Figures 1 and 3, it will be seen that when the side portion 8 of the panel l is exposed laterally of the panel 6, the side portion 9 is immediately behind the panel 6 and so is invisible from the front of the display. Upon the next oscillatory movement of the panel l, the side portion 9 comes into view and the side portion li is hidden behind the panel 6.

Behind the oscillatable panel 'I is a relatively large fixed panel l2 which appears as the back of the entire display. This panel I2 has an arcuate opening i3 the upper portion thereof (Figure l) through which reading matter I4 carried by a disc l5 is visible. The disc I5 is mounted for rotation behind the panel I2. It will be seen, therefore, that the display in general includes six panels having considerable surface upon which any suitable advertising may be placed, as well as four separate moving parts. The complete stand incorporates four different motions, namely, oscillation in a vertical plane, oscillation in a horizontal plane, rotation in a vertical plane and rotaton in a horizontal plane. It is also to be understood that the sign may include as many moving elements as may be desired and these motions. may be of the character shown or may be disposed obliquely, the kinds of movement and the direction thereof being substantially unlimited.

The standardized power unit and foundation structure In the use of the present invention, the power units, of which one is preferably used for each display, are preferably as nearly identical as possible. In other words, each unit is of the same size, the housing is of the same general size and contour, and the upright foundation supports are also preferably of the same size and disposed in identical manner in each unit.

It is to` be understood that while I have, in the illustrated embodiments of my invention selected a type of display which requires the use of only one of my novel power or motor units, it is fully contemplated that in other or more complex types of displays two or more of these units may be associated together to provide for the desired movements. Also, it should be noted that I have attained best results by using a power unit which is so geared that both crank and rotatable drive elements connected thereto operate at a speed not to exceed 30 R. P. M. or a relatively low one.

The power unit is best seen in Figures 2 and 4. The unit comprises a suitable form of housing lli, and in this instance the housing is shown as being substantially trapezoidal in horizontal cross-section. As in-dicated by dotted lines in Figure 2, the housing contains a suitable driving element, in this instance an electric motor Il, including a speed reducer, which may be for alterhating current, direct current or the universal type. The shaft I8 of the motor projects without the housing, and upon the end of this shaft a multi-step pulley i9 is mounted. This pulley carries a crank arm 20 projecting therefrom upon the outer end of which is a thumb nur and boit connection 2l for attachment to the crank arm o-f a connecting rod. A vertical shaft 22 (Figure 2) is also disposed within the housing and projects without the housing to support a horizontally disposed multi-step pulley 23 also equipped with a crank arm 24 suitably apertured toaccommodate a thumb nut and bolt connection for a connecting rod. The shaft 22 is connected with the motor shaft I8 in any suitable manner, such as by.a worin gear and pinion. It is to be noted that it is not essential that the pulley 23 be mounted immediately adjacentthe pulley i9, but may, if so desired, be disposed at the opposite end of the housing and geared to the opposite end of the motor shaft. Current may be supplied to the motor by inserting a standard form of plug in a receptacle 25 disposed on one of the side faces of the housing.

To provide a foundation or basic structure for the display, a plurality of'uprights 26, in this instance four, preferably of metal, are associated with the motor housing. The uprights preferably extend to the top of the housing I6 which is suitably apertured to accommodate them and rest upon the floor of the housing, the uprights being held in position by means of transverse rods 2l? projecting through the uprights in the side walls of the housing. As seen best in Figure 6, the uprights 26 may each be provided with a plurality of spaced apertures 28 to afford means of connection for display apparatus at substan-` tially any desired location along the uprights.

It is to be especially noted that the uprights 26 are disposed in such locations and at such angles that a member shaped for connection to' a Aparticular pair of uprights will connect with that pair only and will also connect with that particular pair in only one position, in the event the top side of the member is kept uppermost during the assembly. In this particular instance, each of the uprights are rectangular in cross-section and have the rear portion thereof disposed inwardly further than the forward portion. in addition, the distance between the rearinost pair of uprights is less than the distance between the forward pair of uprights. By disposing the uprights in this or in an equivalent manner, the device is rendered fool-proof in that, during the assembly of the display, the various parts to be connected to the upright can only be connected thereto in the correct way. Standardized power units of the character set forth herein, each including a housing, a power element therein, suitable pulleys, and uprights forming a foundation structure for the display, may be provided in various central locations in any desirable quantity and kept in these locations. When it is desired to provide advertising displays of any character, it is a simple expedient to manufacture various cardboard parts for the displays, ship these parts to the points of exhibition, and assemble them around a power unit already located near to the place of exhibition.

If so desired, illumination may be provided for certain portions of the signs by means of an electric lamp 29 connected through a suitable lead 3i) to a socket 3i also associated with the motor housing and, as indicated at 32 in Figure 2, any suitable form of make and break contact equipment may be provided to cause periodic illumination of the lamp. This equipment 32 is connected to the socket 3l by means of suitable cable conductors 33.

The frame and panel construction As stated hereinabove, the frame members and panels are preferably made ,of cardboard or simi.

lar material. These frame members and panels are suflicient in their associationwith the power unit `and the uprights v2li to support the `display.A in operativevposition.

To provide initial easy assembly forr the display structure, the lowermostor positioning panel 34 is provided.` This panel has a substantially trapezoidal rear portion suitably apertured toac.-

commodate the motor housing I 6 which, as above explained, will fit in 'the'aperture' in the panel 34 in only one position. T'he panel. 34 terminates atl its rear end in a downwardly turned foot 3 5 (Figi ures 2, 3, and 5), Whichmaintains the panel elevated above the flooror the surface upon which the motor housing I6 may rest. v Adjacent the largest upright panel I2, the panel 3411s set'inwardly along its lateral edges, as indicated at 36 in Figure 5. Adjacent `this'set-in portion, -the 1. panel 34 terminates except for the centralpart thereof which extends forwardly andisfolded upwardly at the forward part, as indicated at .'48`

in Figures 2 and 3, and then folded rearwardly to form a portion 39 which restsL on top ofthefy motor housing I6. As indicated at 31 in Figures 2 `and 5, a'downwardly turned foot is struck fro-m lthe lower central portion of this panel toimaini tain the entire panel substantially level in its height from the floor. Of course, when the structure is initially,` assembled, the entire panel unit 34 andv the motorhousing are preferably unitedrst.

'I'he forwardmost or shelf panel I has an underturned portion 40 (Figures 2 and 5), which -is apertured or recessed suflciently to accommodate the leg or kfoot 31 on the upright portion 38 of the panel 34. The upper portion of this panel is turned rearwardlyk to forma shelf 4I from which thev side portionsextend.rearwardly` Aforwardly extending portions 43 inset from theV sides of the panel and`extending forwardlyto ythe vertical portion I.of the shelf (Figure 5).

`The central portion of the shelf 4I bends-lup-rv wardly into the upright panel 6 of which the` upper end is turned rearwardly-as at 44 -and pro-` tending from above the panel fclear tothe floor.

jects through a suitable aperture 'in the panel I2;

as indicated at 45fin Figure 2. yThispstructure sov far described is maintained in substantially rigidA position by thevarious interlocking connections and aided by means of a pair of side'wings-l46 preferably integral with thepanel I2 andi-ex- As seen best in Figures 2 and' 3,-,the upper part of the panel I2 extends rearwardly and down'- wardly, as indicated at 41. V'I'h'e part 41 is provided with aV relatively large aperture 41a' to accommodate a projecting po`itio`n'4il'- of a channel-shaped 'frame memberl 49. Theproj'ecting portion 48 is somewhat widerthanfthe aperture 41a and is notched on each side as at 48a .to interlock with the edgeof the cardboard adjacent the aperture; Of course, it may be more feasible to bend the sides of the channel inwardly, place the projection 48 throughlthe aperture, and thenl straighten thechannel sides intoengaging pos` sition. pins may be insertedthrough the projection, and all of the tongue and slot connections, including thevarious panel and frame irnembersrinisetting n win alsojbe'noted that, if so desired.A

upI the display structure; may be retained in` either of'these or an equivalent manner.

The vchannel frame member 49 embraces the forward pair of foundation supports or uprights 26 and is vattached thereto by.means.of a substantially `horizontally disposed flange 5I)` struck drectlyzfromftheY frame member, as best seen in Figure 6. The `iiange 50 is provided with suitable apertures for receivingthe uprights 26, and in view of the peculiar angle of the uprights 2l.' the frame member 49 can only be placed in position in the proper way. A pin 5I may be transversely disposed through the aperture 29 in each upright 2B immediately above the flange 50 tov maintain'the frame member 49 in position. The

lower end of theframe member 49 is also pro vided with a flange 52 slipped downwardly over the uprights 26and also `pinned in'position.` This a'nge 52 rests upon the upper portion 39 ofthe positioning panel 34' and holds this portion 3l upon the motor housing I6, thereby giving a `sufiiciently rigid construction.

In similar manner, a second and shorter channel frame member 53 is connected to the rearmost pair of foundation supports or uprights 26.- Both channel frame members 49 and 53 are read ily attachable in position, and these members are:

preferably mounted so that the channels thereof confront each other, or the two members," and` 53 may be one piece.-

It will also'be notedthat in some cases it may not be feasible or desirable to have the frame members 49 and 53'resting upon the top portion' 39 ofthe positioning panel34 and it is obvious` that if Ysuchis the case, theV right angular anges 50 of'these frame members may be disposed in any desirable location alongthe uprights 26, and

pins 5I inserted inthe apertures 28 immediately below the lowermostnanges 52 to hold the 'frame' members in position. It will also be observed that the flanges 50 aid considerably instiffeningthe frame member.

Suitable means for supporting the lamp Zlirlmyv bexprovided by simply gluing or'otherwise attaching a relatively small panel member .to

one -side of the laterally `extending portionlof the panel I2 below the shelf 24|, as best seen in Figure 5. A'socket for the lamp maybe mounted inthis panel 54 in an obvious manner;

, Vertical shaft construction `and mounting' In the present instance, for the-proper`operah tion of the turn-table2'carrying, thedisplayelement3' and the shaft 4 carrying the laterally oscillatable `display' element 5, vertically disposed shafting is necessaryy together with means for connecting the shafting to the power unit. The construction `of the vertical shaft means in this instance has been so adapted that all of theme-v construction for the turn-table'Z includes an outerl rigid sleeve 55 which may be made of anyi suitable materiaL'aphenolic or alcoholic conden sation product unctioningnicely for this pur- This tube 55together with its contents` ismerely dropped throughy a suitable aperturein-y 'the upper portion 39 andthe lower portionotr POSER t za the positioning panel 34. In most cases, no locking device or anchoring means are necessary, the lower end of the tube merely resting upon the floor. Mounted for rotation within the tube 55 is a somewhat shorter tube 56 which is preferably made of brass or some similar economical tubing. The tube 56 is journalled within the tube and a multi-step pulley 5l is fixedly secured to the upper end of the tube 55 for rotation therewith. The pulley 5l is securely keyed to the tube 5t, and a suitable plug 5@ may be pinned in the lower end of the tube 55 to function as a base support for the lower end of the shaft iii and the tube 56.

The Lipper end of the tube 55 is preferably deformed as at Sil to t around a shaft 5i which is polygonal in cross section, whereby the shaft @i will be rotated with the tube 55. The shaft 5i extends through a suitable aperture in the shelf di and has xedly connected thereto a suitable hanged collar member 62 which carries the turn-table 2. This shaft 5l is preferably an inexpensive rod or polygonal wire, and in assembling this shaft construction,it is a simple eX- pedient to vary the length of the shaft 5i by merely snipping off the polygonal wire at the desired length. Since the wire fits within the deformed portion of the hollow shaft, it will be seen that is very simple to provide `a shaft 6| of any desirable length.

The operation of the turn-table 2 may be effected by connecting a belt 63 around the pulley 5l and also around the pulley 23 of the power unit. This belt is preferably merely a piece of string wrapped around the respective pulleysy and tied in a suitable knot, the knot not interfering with the operation. The belt 63 (Figure 5) passes through a suitable aperture 64 in the frame member S9 and a similar aperture is also provided in the other channel frame member 53. Of course, the speed of the turn-table may be adjusted as desired by merely connecting the belt to the proper step on the pulleys 57 and 23, these pulleys being in inverse relationship to each other.

The laterally oscillatable display element 5 is in this case mounted directly and fxedly upon the rod il which is also polygonal in cross-section. A shelf construction may be associated with this el" ,nt that is somewhat similar to that associ l with the turn-table 2.

in this instance, a tubular casing member 65 is utilised which may be identical in construction and mounting with the tube 55. Within the tube 55 is a hollow shaft titi, and nxedly secured to the upper end of this shaft so as to rotate therewith plate member Eil (Figures 5 and 14). This te member has a depending collar 58 which ats upon the even cut upper end of the tube A crank arm 5S having an aperture of the polygonal. shape as the shaft 4 is seated over the shaft l on the plate 6l and connected to the plate 5l by means of a thumb nut and bolt connection iti'. This connection is made through a slot 'il in the plate (3l so that the termination point oscillation of the display element 5 may be adjusted as desired.

Formed preferably integral with the plate 5'? is nk l2 extending substantially oppoy to the slot i i. This crank arm is provided a plurality of spaced apertures i3 therein ne crank arm at a suitable point so that the degree of oscillation may be adjusted therealong consistent with the desired operation of the element 5. Connection is made by means of a suitable thumb nut and bolt attachment.

The connecting rod M is also preferably made of cardboard and predesigned in the right length and carrying suitable indicia designating through which of the apertures "i3 connection is to be made for the particular display at hand. The opposite end of the connecting rod lll is attached by means of a thumb nut and bolt connection to the crank arm 2d associated with the pulley 23 (Figure 2). The connecting rod is preferably folded into channel form to increase its strength, and this connecting rod may be stamped out of cardboard together with the panel and frame members. Any suitable form of arrangement in the thumb nut and bolt connection at the ends of the connecting rod may be used to lessen the wear on the connecting rod. The drive of the display element 5 will be obvious from the foregoing. The connecting rod 'M will function as a pitman, one end of the rod rotating with the rotation of the pulley 23, and the other end of the connecting rod causing an oscillation of the crank arm l2 which in turn results in a lateral oscillation of the display element 5 through the polygonal shaft 4. It will be noted that a disc and oscillating shelf might also be used on the shaft It.

Horizontal and oblique shaft construction including 'etension elements and' attaching plates Tn the present instance, for the particular display` structure illustrated, two horizontal shaft constructions are necessary, one for operating the oscillatable member l, and one for operating the rotatable disc i5. As these shaft constructions are substantially'the same in character, it is only necessary to describe one of them herein with specific reference to the details of construction.

While the shaft constructions for the oscillatable element l and the disc l5 are both disposed horizontally in the present instance, it will be apparent from the description hereinafter that such shaft constructions may be mounted in oblique positions, if so desired, with obvious variations in the hubs or bushings in the outer sleeve of the shaft for connection with the frame and panel members.

With reference more particularly to Figure 8, it will be seen that a shaft 75 is utilized for operating the oscillatable element l. In this instance, the shaft i5 is shown in two parts to illustrate how a shaft may be extended in the event the shaft is not suiciently long for the particular display desired.` For the purpose of clarity, the part nearest the power unit is designated l5 and the other part which is connected to the oscillatable display element 'i is designated 15a.

The shaft part l5 is rotatable within a tube 'iii of brass or some similar economical metal to form a bearing surface for the shaft. The tube 'l5 in turn may be fixed within a tube ll of any desirable material, such, for example, as fiber.

15 end secured around the tube 11 adjacent the bush- In this instance, the'tube 11 on the shaft F15 is provided with three flanged bushings or` hubs 18, 19, and 80, respectively, the bushings Vpreferably being formed integr'alwith'the tube .11. These bushings are seated in slots or recesses in the- Vframe and panel members with the flanges of the bushings rembracing the respective frame and panel members to support the shafting construction in operative position.

For example, the frame member 53 is provided -Withan aperture 8| (Figure 3) terminating vat its lower end in a slot 82 inwhich the central part lof the bushing 18 is seated. To hold the shafting f f construction in proper'position, a spring or hook element 83 is provided, this element having one vclearlyin Figure 7, which illustrates the mounting of theshafting for connection with the rotatable disc I5. All of the bushings utilized in horizontal shafting constructionrwith vthe display Vstructure herein shown `are, preferably held in position in substantially the same manner.

With'reference to Figure 2, it will be seen that the frame member`v49 is 'also -provided with an aperture 86 terminating iny a similar slot for the reception of the bushing19 which is held in pos sition in similar manner bya spring` element 83.

The bushing 80, seen inFigure 8,-fis not utilized with anyframe or panel member in the present construction, but vmaybe utilized in like manner in the event'another'paneljor frame memberis incorporated.

- The shaftextension'portion 15a is joined in a similar` brass tuber fixed within an external tube 11a of the same character as the tube 11.

in like manner ina suitable` slot inzthe panel I2, securement beingk had by means 'of a spring clip.

The shaft portion a is connected to theoscillatable display element 1 bymeans of a connection construction to be later r`described and generally indicated by'reference numeral 90 in Figure 2. The two shaft portions a'and 15 are connected together by asuitableform of clutch, generally indicated by reference numeral 9|, and it will be Vnoted that the aperture 88 in the panel |2is of suflicient size to permit the passage there*- through of the clutch 9| prior tothe seating of the flanged bushing 81in its respectiveslot. The

i n rearl end of the shafti15'has` attached thereto a crank arm 92 (Figures 2, 3, and 8) provided with a plurality ofspaced rapertures in substantially rthesamemanner as the crank arm `12 herein- 4above mentioned to provide afselectiveattachment fora connecting rod to permit preselection of the proper stroke of the crank arm for the f p proper oscillation of the display element. It win be noted that theV apertures 86 in the frame membery 49, and 8| `in the frame vmember l53 'are of suiiicient size `to permit the passage therethrough of the crank arm 92 prior to, the disposition of the' fianged bushings 18 and 19 in their respective l slots.

At this point, it shouldbe clearly noted that `the flanged bushings 18, 19, 80, and `81 are preferably'each of a diierent size, and the 'slots in the respective frame andfpanel members I2, 49, and

'I'he ytube 11a is provided with a bushing '81 engaged 453 are each sized for a particular bushing.. "Such` construction provides for very quick assembly of the display structure with the elimination of error inthe placing of the respective parts,i. e.it is impossible lto mount thev shafting construction in ,in similary manner to the crank arm 92 at the `properaperture for the desired oscillation. The

aforesaid panel-weighted neck II upon the` dislplayelement -1 aids in lesseningthe load on the motor IT'of the power unit during oscillation of the element 'I.

The attachment connection 90 between the end of thesshaft portion 15a, and the oscillatable element 1 is Abest seen in Figures 8, l0, and 11.

Gluedy or otherwise attached to the reverse side of the oscillatable member 'I' isranother element 96 of cardboard or similar material and having the general shape of a disc with a sector cut off the lower portion. This member is provided with arecessA 91 therein having somewhat straight side walls and an arcuate top. Anothermember 99 is provided with a recess 99 of similar shape to the recess 91 but of a smaller size,` thereby making substantially a pocketdefined by the recess 91 betweenthe member 98 and the oscillatable memberi1. l

` ,Withinthe pocket soformed is an envelope |00 preferably formed by metal and closed along the bottom edge. Asbest seen in Figure 11, a collar |0I vis keyed to the shaft 15a. An aperture is provided in the rear side of the envelope |00 of suflicient size to permit the free rotation of thecollar therein. The collar IIII is formed in the shape of a rivet, as indicated at |03, to hold securely in position an operating plate |04 which oscillates with the shaft and collar. The other side of the envelope |00 is provided with an apertureof just sufiicient size to receive the projecting end of the shaft 15a and afford journal means forthis end of the shaft. The operating plate IIMis provided with a tongue |05 extending therefrom into an oiset recess |86 in the member 98,

` the recess being sufliciently large to provide ample loam the pocket s1 behind the inner edge of the member 98 and permitting the tab |01 to he restored to its normal position by folding lit back. With the connection just above described, the

' operation of the oscillating display ele-ment I isr extremely simple. Assuming that the parts are in the position seen in Figure 10, the portion 9` Will be visible, and as the shaft 15a is turned to the right by means of the connecting rod 94, the portion 9 will remain in exposed position until the tongue'IUS strikes the opposite wall of thev recess IGS, when the element 'l will be moved so as to conceal the portion 9 and expose the portion 8. The opposite is true upon the return stroke of the connecting rod.

It will be noted here that if the recess lt is the same size as the tongue m5, then no slip will be provided for.

The clutch 9i, which is used to join the shaft extension l'a, to the main part of the shaft "i5, is best seen in Figures 8 and 9. lThe clutch end of the shaft portion 15a, is provided with a keyed collar H28 to which is. attached a plate l it. This plate l iii may be of any preselected shape, in this instance being shown as substantially hexagonal with one portion removed along the line iii in Figure 9 to make,y the plate seven sided, as indicated by the full lines in Figure 9. Another plate H2 of a different irregular shape is similarly attached to the adjacent end of the shaft i5. The shape of the plate i l2 in this instance is indicated by the dotted lines in Figure 9 except for that portion of the plate extending beyond the cut-out portion of the plate MS. Each of theseplates is preferably notched in a plurality of spaced locations, in this ins-tance three, as indicated at H3. A pin bolt Hai may be readily placed in each of the notches, each pin bolt having an enlarged rear portion engaged against the plate I I0 and a narrow threaded portion extending through the notch, the bolt being held in position by means of a thumb nut i i5 placed against the surface of the plate l l2. These bolts l i4 are preferably held together by means of a wire l l@ passing through the enlarged ends of the bolts, thus preventing loss of the bolts and permitting very quick connection of the plates.

The peculiar shapes of the plates upon the ends of the shaft extension utilized in the display structure preferably differ so that they cannot be assembled incorrectly. Insofar as the clutch of the character 9i is` concerned, it is a simple eX- pedient to place the flat faces of the plates together and secure them in position. However, each of the plates upon the shaft may be utilized for a connection such as the attachment connection 90, to a movable portion of the display, the irregularity in the shapes of the plates preventing attachment of that particular shaft to the Wrong display element.

The connection of the respective plates to each shaft length may be of the same character as illustrated and above described in connection with Figure 11.

From the above shafting construction, it will be apparent that the structure may be assembled very expeditiously and without the use of tools. It will also be` apparent that in the event a central portion of a movable display element is exposed to the eye, the outside face of this element will not in any manner be defaced by means of the connection to a shaft.

With reference now to, Figure 2, it will be seen that a similar shaft construction is pro-vided for operation of the rotatable disc i5. In this instance, no extension length of shafting is nece-ssary. The shaft construction is the same as that previously described in connection with the operation of the oscillatable element i, including a shaft l'5b journalled in a metallic tube itil?, in turn fixed within an external tube lib. The tube Hb is provided with a pair `ce flanged hubs lli and H8 for engagement in suitable slots in the frame members 4.9 and respectively, (Figures 2 and 7) As seen best in Figure '7, the panel 53 is provided With a slot H9 in the upper end thereof for reception of the flanged bushing H8, and the bushing is held in position by means of a spring 'clip {2i} having a hook 22E projecting through an aperture H22 disposed at a proper distance below the slot H9.

The frame member 49 must of necessity be provided with an aperture 23 above the slot for the hub l Il, and this aperture is preferably made sufficiently large to permit the passage therethrough of a stepped pulley l2@ secured to the rear end of the shaft (Figures 2 and 3). The other end of the shaft is connected to the rotatable disc l5 by means of an attachment connection Sila which is of the same character as the attachment connection Si! above described.

The flanged hub lll is held in position in the saine manner as is the hub l i8, but each of these hubs, together with their respective slots in the .frame members 49 and 53, are preferably of different size to eliminate error in the mounting of the shaft. The plate upon the end of the shaft used in the attachment connection Silla is also preferably of a dierent shape than the plate used in the attachment connection 9G for the same reason.

A beit 25 establishes driving Connection be-v The formation. of a. display of different character In Figures l5 and 16 I have illustrated how the present invention may be utilized to provide a display of a different character. In this instance, only two movements are utilized in the display, an oscillatory movement in a vertical plane and a rotary movement in a vertical plane.

In this instance, the same power unit is, of course, utilized, but nothing will be connected to the pulley 23 on top of the housing l5 because there is no movement in a horizontal plane in the present display structure.

In this instance, the display proper includes a front panel G26 of the general contour of a man, before which an arm l2? is oscillatable. Behind the panel E26 is a rotatable disc a portion of which is visible from the front of the display, and behind the disc are a pair cf spaced frame members |29 and E3B secured to theV forward pair of uprights 26 and the rear pair of uprights 25, respectively. The frame members are substa tially trapezoidal in shape with the lower ends thereof resting upon the housing iii of the power unit. A positioning panel i3! having a bent flange I32 in the forward end thereof glued or otherwise secured to the panel iiit is dispose in a position slightly oblique from the horizontal. 'Ilns positioning panel is suitably apertured to accommodate the motor housing it, although, if so desired, the positioning panel may be provided with flanges for the reception of the motor housing.

The frame members l2@ and iii@ are connected with the respective pairs of uprights 2t in the manner previously described in connection with the frame members 49 and 53.

lthe aforesaid clutch 9|,.and the extension shaft- ,ing is connected to the arm |21 by means of 'an'at- -A shaft construction substantially identical with that shown in Figure Sis utilizedfor the oscillation of the arm |2|. Thisshaft construc- Ationisprovided with ilanged hubs |34 and |35 for engagement in lateral slots |36` inthe frame members |29 and |39, respectively. In eachinstance, the flanged hub is held in position by means of a spring :clip |31 engaged inla suitable v aperture |38 spaced inwardlyfrom the termina-v .tion of the slot. As is the case with the previously` described construction, the flanged hubs and theirv respective slots are preferably of different vsizes `to prevent error in assembling. Extension shaftingtis provided and heldin pla'ce by means of a clutch construction Sla of the same character. as

tachment connectionflb of the same character as the attachment connections 90 described above.v Oscillation of the arm is provided by means of av crank arm |39 attached to an end of the shafting construction and rconnected to the crank arm 2.0 on the pulley I9 `of the motor shaft |8 by means of a connecting rod |40. Y. This construction is (substantially like that previously described` in 'connection with the oscillation of the display ele- |40 inthis case is considerably ment It Will be noted that the connectingarm longer than thek connecting arm 94. v

A.Another shafting construction, vgenerally indicatedk as |4|, is similarly mounted in the frame members |25 and |30 adjacent the opposite sides thereof. This shafting is connected by means of an attachment connection' 9de with the rotatable f discV |28. At the other end thereof 4the shafting construction carries la stepped pulley |42 connected by a belt |43 to the pulley i9 on the motor shaft. Y. Y

`The flexibility ofthe partspermitstheir connection in such ay manner .that proper-'timing results between the rotation of the disc I ZB'and `theup and down oscillation of the arm |2lxin keeping with the particular advertising upon the display structure. The constructionk and mount-f ing of the various parts are substantially the same movement of the. display of substantially any desired character or nature, the invention ,being fsufiiciently durable for the purposes intended and fool-proof in character so that it cannot be assembled in any but the correct Way. Further, Iit Will be noted that with the extremely 'econom-l ical material used, with the possible exception of' the basic power unit, and the economical manner inl which the relative parts may be assembled,

action displays may be provided at approximately the same cost as stationary displays. Further, the flexibility of the invention permits ready adaptation of vthe loperating partsfor displays ranging to an extremely Wide variation in form and character. Inl addition, it will be noted that the present invention includes a novel meth- Y od vof assembly in'advertising displays.,which method is deemed to be sufficiently clear from the foregoing as to warrant no further description.v

I claim as my invention:

1. A driving unit for an action display device, including a housing, a driving element supported byV said housing' and equipped with means for connection to movable elements to be driven, and a plurality of polygonaluprights rising from said housing for receiving thereover apertured display pieces, said uprights'being disposed at such angularityrrelatively to each other that a piece apertured for two uprights can only be associated with a certainv two and with those only in one way.

2. Adriving unit foran action display device, includinga housing,.a driving element supported by said housing and equipped with means for connection to movable elements to be driven,.and a plurality of polygonal uprights rising from said housing for receiving thereover apertured display pieces, said uprightsbeing arranged in irregular polygonal order to prevent the application ofca display piece in any but the correct place.

3.V A driving unit for an action display device, including va housing, a driving element supported by said housingand equipped with means for connection to movable elements to be driven, a plurality of polygonal uprights rising from said housing for'receiving thereover apertureddisplay pieces, said uprights being disposed at such angularity relatively to eachother that a piece apertured for two uprights can only be associated with a certain two and with those' only in one Way, and means selectively associated with said f uprights to effect asupport for ,display pieces at various points along said uprights. v

4.*In' an action display, a power. unit including driving means and spaced upright supports of irregular disposition, a plurality of decorated advertising members visible from the front of the display, a plurality of Vsupporting and adapting parts for engagement withsaid advertising members and said uprights, said Vparts being'formed 6,. A fabricated action display including a pluof substantially the same material as said'adverrality of decorated advertising memberscertain of which are movable, a plurality of stationary 'supporting members, anda plurality of differently shaped clutch elements, all made of cardboard,

' shaftings mountable on said supporting members,

eachshafting carrying one of said clutch elements, and each movable-advertising member having one of said clutch elements secured thereto complemental to only one of those carried by said shaftings.

7. In combination in a fabricated action display, a standard powerunit including a plurality of spaced uprights", a pair of supporting `panels attachable to said uprights in spaced relationship, a shaft assembly carrying bushings of different sizes, and said panels each having an opening therein of a size to fit only a diierent one of said bushings. Y y Y l 8. In combination in' a. fabricated action display,y a-standard powerunit lncludingf'a plurality of spaced uprights, a pair of supporting panels attachable to said uprights in spaced relationship, a shaft assembly carrying bushings of different sizes, and said panels each having an opening therein of a size to fit only a different one of said bushings, said panels each having another opening therein adjacent said iirst opening, and an anchoring element carried by the respective bushing lockably engageable in said other opening.

9. In a fabricated action display, a shafting assembly having a pair of differently sized bushings, and a pair of cardboard panels each having a slot therein for the reception of one of said bushings, said slots being of different sizes in keeping with the bushings whereby said shafting assembly can be mounted on said panels in only one position.

10. In an action display, a pair of spaced cardboard supports each having a different sized opening therein, and a shaft assembly including a shaft, suitable bearing means surrounding said shaft, and bushings carried by said bearing means each sized to t in a different one of said openings.

1l. In combination in a fabricated display structure, a supporting unit including a plurality of uprights arranged irregularly, and supporting panels for association with said uprights, each of said panels having a member secured thereto, said members being scored for bending and the part defined by the score apertured to fit over only a certain pair of said uprights.

l2. In an action display of the fabricated type for assembly on location, an advertising piece to be motivated, shaft means for driving said piece, and clutch means for connecting said shaft means and said piece including a cardboard member having an irregularly shaped socket therein with a flap thereover, and a member shaped to fit said socket and be retained therein by said flap, one of said members being attached to each of said shaft means and said piece.

13. In a fabricated action display adapted for ready assembly, a plurality of movable advertising pieces, a shaft for driving each piece, and a clutch between each piece and its respective shaft, said clutches each comprising a socket member of cardboard with a flap extending over the socket, and a member shaped to iit said socket and be retained therein by said flap, said clutches being so shaped that only one of said members will iit any one of said socket members.

14. In an action display of the fabricated type adapted for ready assembly on location, an advertising piece to be motivated, a shaft for driving the same, a clutch made of cardboard for connecting said piece and said shaft, including a socket member having an offset in the socket thereof and a resilient ap overlying the socket, and a member seatable in said socket behind said resilient flap and having a projection extending into saidoffset to establish a driving connection.

15. In an action display of the fabricated type adapted for ready assembly on location, an advertising piece to be motivated, a shaft for driving the same, a clutch made of cardboard for connecting said piece and said shaft, including a socket member having an offset in the socket thereof and a resilient flap overlying the socket,

and a member seatable in said socket behind said about a Vstandard power unit, a pair of movable exhibitory members, a pair of drive shaftings to actuate said members, supporting means to carry said shaftings, a cardboard driven clutch member secured to the back of each exhibitory member, and a similar driving clutch member carried by each said shafting, each said driving clutch mem- "ber being so shaped as to engage only one of said driven clutch members and not the other.

ALBERT J. BATES, JR. 

